Tech

Everything We (Probably) Know About the iPad Mini

Apple is expected to announce the iPad Mini on Tuesday, a pint-sized version of its iconic tablet.

While Apple itself hasn’t offered any information on the tablet, or even acknowledged its existence, we have — or at least we think we have — a pretty good idea of what the company has in store thanks to various leaks and rumors.

We also know the market the tablet is intended to compete in. While Apple created the modern tablet market with the iPad, the smaller-size tablet market has been around ever since the original Samsung Galaxy Tab debuted in 2010. Since then, a host of different models have appeared, proving the viability of smaller tablets and establishing what people expect from these devices, such as features and pricing.

Screen Size

Current rumors peg the iPad Mini sporting either a 7.85- or 7-inch screen. That puts it in the same class as the Nexus 7, Google’s darling tablet that debuted earlier this year, as well as Amazon’s new Kindle Fire HD 7.

Why make a 7-inch iPad? There are a few reasons: Simply put, 7-inch tablets are easier to hold than their 10-inch counterparts. While you may want a larger screen when it comes to doing some activities, such as watching videos, others are particularly suited for a smaller, lighter tablet. Reading, for instance, is a lot more pleasant for most on a smaller, lighter device. Think of it as the difference between holding and toting around a paperback book or its hardcover counterpart. Most people just don't spend hours with a large hardcover book.

The 7-inch tablet space is also starting to fill up with Apple’s competititors. While previously Amazon and Barnes & Noble's tablet offerings certainly posed a threat, they were only offering customers a stripped-down Android experience. Now you have small tablets such as Samsung's Galaxy Tab 2 7.0 and Google’s Nexus 7 that give customers full access to the Android Market and any applications they might want to use. The Nexus 7 was even the first device to hit the market running Jelly Bean, the latest version of Android. Apple needs to offer a full-powered tablet in the space to keep up with its competition.

Price

While it's a certainty the iPad Mini will be priced lower than the original iPad, that's about all we know about how Apple will position it. While other 7-inch tablets draw customers with a low price point (typically starting at $199), for Apple such a low price would put the iPad Mini in direct competition with the even smaller-screen iPod touch, which starts at $299.

On the other end, Apple also offers the iPad 2, which starts at $399. It seems unlikely Apple would price the iPad that high (the competition among small-screen tablets is much cheaper), though it brings up the question how Apple will position the new iPad alongside the iPod touch.

In any case, a big part of Apple's strategy here is to offer a less-expensive iPad will help Apple put tablets in the hands of those who might not be willing — or able to –- shell out $499 for a traditional iPad.

A cheaper tablet also opens the doors to different types of consumers. Giving a child a $500 iPad is unreasonable to most, even if it’s a parent’s tablet they’re just “playing with” for a few minutes. A less-expensive, smaller tablet will be easier for kids to handle, and easier for parents to be comfortable parting ways with.

Lightning Connector

Debuting earlier this year in the iPhone 5, Apple's Lightning connector will no doubt be the connector of choice for the iPad Mini (and all of its mobile products going forward).

However, that means the new tablet, much like the iPhone 5, isn’t going to work with a number of different accessories without the help of an adapter. So, if you’re hoping to use that existing iPad dock or speaker you’re probably going to be out of luck. On the other hand, if you just picked up an iPhone 5, then you have another device that can share accessories with it.

Launch Date

Current rumors point to Apple launching the iPad Mini a week after Tuesday’s announcement, Nov. 2. While the tablet may or may not hit stores that day, a launch in early November is certain — capitalizing on the holiday season is an obvious part of Apple's timing.

An early November launch ensures Apple enthusiasts can pre-order the device and have it in their hands before the holiday rush, and gets the device out in time to make it on to holiday wish lists.

What do you think will happen at Apple's iPad Mini event Tuesday? Let us know your predictions in the comments below.

iPad Mini Rumor Roundup

1. It'll Have a 7.85-Inch Screen.

At 7.85 inches, the iPad Mini's screen will be about 2 inches smaller than its big brother's, but still a bit bigger than most small-screen tablets, which are typically 7 inches.

2. The Official Name Will Be iPad Mini or iPad Air.

The entire industry has been calling Apple's tiny tablet the "iPad Mini" for months, but Apple could switch things up and go for something like "iPad Air." Some believe calling it a Mini -- even though it's descriptive -- makes it seem less impressive than the standard iPad. However, just the term "iPad" has been seen on the back of the allegedly leaked prototype devices so far.

2. The Screen Resolution Will Be 1,024 x 768.

The resolution of the iPad Mini will most likely match that of the original iPad and iPad 2, with the familiar 4:3 aspect ratio.

4. It'll Be Thinner Than the iPad, But a Slightly Different Shape.

The iPad Mini is expected to be thinner than the current iPad, and resemble a larger iPhone. The frame surrounding the screen, however, has been rumored to be thicker at the top and bottom. This would allow more room for the home button and camera, while still being thin along the sides, according to Apple blogger John Gruber from Daring Fireball.

5. It'll Pack an A5 Processor.

The interior of the iPad Mini is expected to resemble that of the iPad 2. Rumors say under the hood could be the company's A5 processor and 512MB of RAM.

6. It'll Have the Lightning Connector.

You can bet on the iPad Mini getting Apple's new 9-pin dock connector, Lightning, which was recently released with the new iPhone 5. It's 80% smaller than its previous 30-pin connector.

7. There May or May Not Be a 3G Option.

The debate whether the iPad will or won't have 3G has gone back and forth for weeks. Ukrainian website ukrainianiphone.com claims it has iPad Mini parts and that there is an area for a 3G antenna.

8. Siri Will Be On Board.

Siri is on Apple fanboy's wishlist for iPad Mini features, but it's still unknown if the voice-command software will be included on the new device.

9. The Demand Will Be Huge.

Apple has reportedly ordered more than 10 million units of the iPad Mini to ship in the fourth quarter, which is twice the amount Amazon ordered for the Kindle Fire. This shows the company is confident it will be able to sell the devices.

10. It'll Go on Sale Nov. 2.

The iPad Mini is expected to be available for pre-sale on Friday, October 26. Shipments are reportedly scheduled to go to pre-order customers on Friday, November 2.

11. It Will Be Unveiled With New iMacs.

12. A New 9.7-Inch iPad Might Come, Too.

Apple could also announce an updated version of its 9.7-inch iPad at the event, as well. 9to5 Mac is reporting the full-sized tablet could be revamped with higher-performing internal hardware.

13. Apple Will Discontinue the iPad 2.

The latest rumor indicates that Apple may pull the iPad 2 from its product offering after the arrival of the iPad Mini. Analyst Rob Cihra told Apple Insider that the move would enable the company to strategically streamline its lineup into “clearer product tiers.” The iPad 2 could confuse potential buyers with the iPad Mini would become the default entry-level tablet.

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